Bakersfield, California: health insurance
Bakersfield is in Kern County. Here is what Bakersfield residents should know about coverage.
Medicaid is a government program that gives free or low-cost health coverage to people with limited income, such as some adults, children, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. Each state runs its own Medicaid program and decides who qualifies. We are an independent insurance agency, and we cannot enroll you in Medicaid or check your Medicaid.
California Medicaid: California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) · 1-800-541-5555 (Medi-Cal (Department of Health Care Services)) · dhcs.ca.gov
If your income is too high for Medicaid, or you want to compare health plans, call us. We can help with that.
Coverage in Bakersfield
Bakersfield has about 413,381 residents (U.S. Census Bureau 2023 estimate).
Plans for Bakersfield residents are determined by Kern County, home to about 913,820 people (2023 estimate). Medicare Advantage plans and marketplace plans are offered by area, so use your ZIP code when you compare, and make sure a plan covers Kern County before you choose it.
- Turning 65 in Bakersfield? Your Initial Enrollment Period runs seven months around your birthday. California HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) offers free counseling at 800-434-0222.
- Buying your own plan? Shop through Covered California.
- Medicaid questions? California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) handles applications.
California note: California health plans are regulated by two different state agencies depending on plan type -- the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) oversees most Covered California health plans, while the Department of Insurance (CDI) regulates the rest, including most life and supplemental products.
Medicare plans leaving Kern County for 2027
Medicare plans are set by county, so this applies to residents of this city. 11 plans are listed in Kern County for 2026 but not for 2027, covering at least 1,995 people.
| Plan going away | Company | People enrolled (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| Central Health Classic Care Plan I (HMO) H5649-027 | Molina Healthcare | 759 |
| Central Health Embrace Care Plan (HMO C-SNP) H5649-025 | Molina Healthcare | 556 |
| Central Health Embrace Choice Plan (HMO C-SNP) H5649-026 | Molina Healthcare | 229 |
| Central Health Dual Access Plan (HMO D-SNP) H5649-024 | Molina Healthcare | 145 |
| Humana Gold Plus H5619-148 (HMO) H5619-148 | Humana | 145 |
| Anthem Kidney Care (PPO C-SNP) H8552-028 | Anthem (Elevance Health) | 136 |
See all 11 plans leaving Kern County →
Looking for your own plan? Find your company and plan →
A plan can be listed because it was renumbered or replaced, not only because a company is leaving the county. When the same company keeps other plans there, members are usually moved to a replacement plan. Your plan should send you a notice, and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is when you can compare and switch. “People enrolled” is the number enrolled in that plan today (CMS hides counts of 10 or fewer). Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2026 and 2027, and CMS enrollment data from September 2026.
Colleges and universities near Bakersfield
California public institutions include University of California system, California State University system, UCLA. Students and employees at these schools should check their school’s student health or benefits office, because campus plans and employer plans work differently from individual coverage. More about California colleges.
Do Bakersfield and Kern County have the same plans?
Plans are offered by service area, and Bakersfield falls under Kern County. A plan that serves Kern County is generally the one that applies to you.
Do I have to enroll if I call?
No. A call is a conversation about your options.
Bakersfield residents: call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095 Open 8 AM-10 PM Eastern timeOther major California cities
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Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.